Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help patients with cerebral paralysis to reduce muscle spasticity and increase flexibility. But certain medicines may cause undesirable side effects and could create safety hazards, especially when used long-term.

Surgery isn't a cure for CP but it can help improve mobility and reduce pain. It may also help to reduce seizures, Cerebral Palsy which can be life-threatening for those who suffer from CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a grouping of non-progressive diseases that affect posture, movement and the muscles in the legs or arms. The condition appears in infancy or in the early years of childhood and is caused by damage or anomalies in the brain. The accident could have occurred in the womb or shortly after the birth of the baby. However, doctors may not know the exact reason behind the condition.

The first step in making an accurate diagnosis of CP is for your child's physician to examine him or her. The doctor Cerebral Palsy will administer the baby a test to check the strength of his or her muscles as well as reflexes and movements. They will also monitor your baby's growth over time to determine if he or she is reaching milestones.

If the doctor suspects there is something wrong, they could order an imaging exam. An MRI is the most popular test, which utilizes magnetic fields and creates clear images of your baby's brain. The MRI can detect changes in the brain of your child which are associated with CP. Another alternative is an ultrasound which makes use of sound waves in order to make images of your baby's brain as well as other organs. This test is more practical for infants who are still very young, but it may not be as helpful at diagnosing issues that are associated with CP.

A doctor could send your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a child physiatrist (a specialist doctor who has been trained on pediatric diseases that affect the spine, muscles and nerves). These specialists can aid in providing an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Every child's CP is unique, and they require specific health plans. Your family is likely to be working with a group of specialists, including a neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and a child developmental specialist. These experts will form a treatment group that includes your family members and supervise your child's development.

Doctors can diagnose of CP in light of the child's symptoms and their history. They may also conduct a physical examination to determine if there are signs and symptoms of the condition, such as muscles being weak or tight in walking or moving and speech, difficulties with intelligence, and abnormal reflexes.

In some instances, doctors might be able to determine that your child may develop CP when they identify certain risk factors. If your child was born breech or has a difficult delivery, for instance they are more likely to CP. Babies who are smaller than their gestational years also face higher risk. Birth complications such as infections, high fever and other conditions that hinder the flow of oxygen to brain, may increase your child's risk of developing cerebral palsy.

Medicines can aid in improving your child's ability to move and lessen pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be taken orally, injected into muscles or infused into the spinal cord. They can also be used to treat seizures and other conditions like epilepsy which are frequently associated with cerebral palsy law firms palsy.

Preventing CP

While there's no way to avoid the majority of cases of CP which are attributed to genetics but you can take steps to reduce the risk. Get regular prenatal care and address health concerns prior to getting pregnant, if possible. Also, be up to the latest on vaccines during pregnancy. Certain infections -- like cytomegalovirus and rubella -- are linked to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies who have CP are often slow to learn to roll over, sit or crawl and walk. They may have low muscular tone (hypotonia) which makes them appear relaxed or floppy. Or they may have a high level of muscle tone (hypertonia) that causes their bodies to feel stiff or rigid. They might be more inclined to one side of their body or display signs of speech disorders or seizures.

About 75% of people who suffer from CP suffer from spastic CP which causes muscles to become tight and stiff. Some have only a few affected muscles, whereas others suffer from more severe spasticity, which affects all their muscles as well as those in their face and mouth. This kind of CP is called spastic hemiplegia and can lead to a curved spine (scoliosis) or trouble swallowing.

Another type of CP is dyskinetic CP that results in movement that's slow and twisty, or fast and jerky. It can make your limbs and face appear as if they're in a trance, and you could be drooling. Some people with CP might have more than one type of CP. Each form is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy affects everyone in a different way, from mild to severe. Certain people with CP require little assistance, while others struggle to move and require wheelchairs. The most severe cases can lead to a total body paralysis known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP are able to benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve posture, balance and movement. They might also need surgery to correct any issues with their joints or bones. Hearing loss and fatigue, as well as pain and excessive drooling are all possible signs. Certain people with CP suffer from depression which is between three and four times more common than in the general population.

Many people with CP live in their own homes, take part in activities with the community, and receive personal assistance. Some may require adjustments, but they will find employment. Those with CP tend to be prematurely old because their bodies are unable to handle the added stress.

A person with CP can live a fulfilling life even with the most severe symptoms. They can pursue a career as well as a family and friends. They can also join support groups which can allow them to connect with other people with CP and find local resources. Financial assistance is offered by various organizations and foundations to ease the burden for families so that they can concentrate on obtaining quality treatment. You could be eligible to compensation if the medical carelessness of a medical professional caused your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if eligible for a free review of your case today.